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After tragedy strikes the family of young Rebecca Shrock, her friend Tabitha does all she can to help. But things get complicated when Rebecca's brother, Levi, returns from combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. For one thing, he is an old flame Tabitha rejected when he chose to serve in the military. For another, he is under the Meidung-the shunning-and no one is permitted to speak to him or eat with him.

But God has a way of working on the hearts of His people-especially at Christmas time. When an unexpected turn of events sets things right, miracles happen to the Amish community of Paradise, to the Shrock family-and to Tabitha.

Publisher's Description

After tragedy strikes the family of young Naomi Miller, her friend Rebecca Bachman does all she can to help. But things get complicated when Rebecca's brother, Micah, returns from a combat tour in Afghanistan. For one thing, he chose to serve in the military even though he served as a medic and never picked up a gun. For another, he is under the Meidung--the shunning-- because of that and none of the Amish are permitted to speak to him or eat with him. And finally, he is not only Rebecca's brother, he is Naomi's husband! But how can Naomi pick up where their marriage left off after he turned away from her and his people to enlist in the army? How can Naomi and Micah even begin the process of healing their relationship when he will not repent of what he has done and the Amish will not forgive him for what he has done? Naomi despairs of ever again having a happy married life with her husband.

But God has a way of working on the hearts of His people--especially at Christmas time. When an unexpected turn of events sets things right, miracles happen to the Amish community, to the Miller family, and to Naomi and Micah, miracles that transform everyone.

Here is warm and tender story of faithfulness, love, and reconciliation at the most wonderful time of the year.

Author Bio

Murray Pura earned his Master of Divinity degree from Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, and his ThM degree in theology and interdisciplinary studies from Regent College in Vancouver, British Columbia. For more than 25 years, in addition to his writing, he has pastored churches in Nova Scotia, British Columbia, and Alberta. Murray's writings have been shortlisted for the Dartmouth Book Award, the John Spencer Hill Literary Award, the Paraclete Fiction Award, and Toronto's Kobzar Literary Award. His novels for Harvest House include Face of Heaven, The Wings of Morning, and Ashton Park. Murray pastors and writes in southern Alberta near the Rocky Mountains. He and his wife, Linda, have a son and a daughter.

Editorial Reviews

"An Amish Family Christmas had some wow moments. I literally couldn't put this book down. If you are looking for a different sort of Amish story this Christmas, then An Amish Family Christmas is one to consider."--Laura V. Hilton, author of Awakened Love

"Murray Pura brings a tender topic to the forefront as he often does in the excellent stories he writes featuring the Amish culture. He moves readers' hearts to new levels and makes them think about their own standards."--JudyAnn Lorenz

"You will be captivated by the emotional struggles of Naomi."Melissa Friesen

This was such a heartwarming story. I was tearing up after a few pages in. Toward the end, more tears!

Can an Amish man, such as Micah Bachman, go to war and come back to his community unchanged? Surely he will be under the bann if he does so. Should he follow God or the Ordnung? If he follows God is he ready to walk away from the Amish life?

What about Micahs wife Naomi? How has his choices affected her? Can she ever forgive Micah?

This story is such an emotional one. When hearts are hardened, can they be changed? Will division or forgiveness be extended? After all, the Ordnung is the Amish way isnt it? God certainly would not put his hand of approval on Micahs choice, would He?

For those who have not read this novella, I urge you to do so. I think we can take away a strong message from this book. Obedience to God, love, faith, and forgiveness, can win out if we open our hearts!

This was a sweet read, with an interesting premise. The characters angst became repetitive as time drew on in the story, and the way the plot wrapped up was a little contrived. Three stars out of five- enjoyable story, but not one I'll pick up again.

After tragedy strikes the family of young Naomi Miller, her friend Rebecca Bachman does all she can to help. But things get complicated when Rebecca's brother, Micah, returns from a combat tour in Afghanistan. For one thing, he chose to serve in the military even though he served as a medic and never picked up a gun. For another, he is under the Meidung--the shunning-- because of that and none of the Amish are permitted to speak to him or eat with him. And finally, he is not only Rebecca's brother, he is Naomi's husband! But how can Naomi pick up where their marriage left off after he turned away from her and his people to enlist in the army? How can Naomi and Micah even begin the process of healing their relationship when he will not repent of what he has done and the Amish will not forgive him for what he has done? Naomi despairs of ever again having a happy married life with her husband.

But God has a way of working on the hearts of His people--especially at Christmas time. When an unexpected turn of events sets things right, miracles happen to the Amish community, to the Miller family, and to Naomi and Micah, miracles that transform everyone.

Here is warm and tender story of faithfulness, love, and reconciliation at the most wonderful time of the year.

My Review:

Micah has done what he thought was right, but when you're Amish, that comes at a high price to pay. Choosing not to be a conscientious objector, Micah becomes a medic and joins the military in Afghanistan. But upon his return, his wife Naomi is not allowed to resume their married life because he is shunned. When it becomes clear that Naomi still loves Micah and desperately wants to be with him, it just broke my heart that the People were the cause of the division between two souls. I am a huge sucker for the story of lovers unable to be together, and this one was no different!

Pura brings the elements of Christmas, love that can't be changed by beliefs, and a beautiful story of faithfulness to life. While an incident in the story felt a little extreme in order to paint Micah in a good light, I will always love a good Christmas romance - especially when written by Pura! I would recommend this book to anyone, even if you're not fond of Amish fiction. This one is different and a perfect read for the upcoming holiday season!

This book was provided by the publisher for free in exchange for an honest review.

After tragedy strikes the family of young Naomi Miller, her friend Rebecca Bachman does all she can to help. But things get complicated when Rebecca's brother, Micah, returns from a combat tour in Afghanistan. For one thing, he chose to serve in the military even though he served as a medic and never picked up a gun. For another, he is under the Meidung--the shunning-- because of that and none of the Amish are permitted to speak to him or eat with him. And finally, he is not only Rebecca's brother, he is Naomi's husband! But how can Naomi pick up where their marriage left off after he turned away from her and his people to enlist in the army? How can Naomi and Micah even begin the process of healing their relationship when he will not repent of what he has done and the Amish will not forgive him for what he has done? Naomi despairs of ever again having a happy married life with her husband.

But God has a way of working on the hearts of His people--especially at Christmas time. When an unexpected turn of events sets things right, miracles happen to the Amish community, to the Miller family, and to Naomi and Micah, miracles that transform everyone.

Here is warm and tender story of faithfulness, love, and reconciliation at the most wonderful time of the year.

My Review:

Micah has done what he thought was right, but when you're Amish, that comes at a high price to pay. Choosing not to be a conscientious objector, Micah becomes a medic and joins the military in Afghanistan. But upon his return, his wife Naomi is not allowed to resume their married life because he is shunned. When it becomes clear that Naomi still loves Micah and desperately wants to be with him, it just broke my heart that the People were the cause of the division between two souls. I am a huge sucker for the story of lovers unable to be together, and this one was no different!

Pura brings the elements of Christmas, love that can't be changed by beliefs, and a beautiful story of faithfulness to life. While an incident in the story felt a little extreme in order to paint Micah in a good light, I will always love a good Christmas romance - especially when written by Pura! I would recommend this book to anyone, even if you're not fond of Amish fiction. This one is different and a perfect read for the upcoming holiday season!

This book was provided by the publisher for free in exchange for an honest review.

What a story. At first I was so mad at the predicament of this young couple I felt like going and kicking their minister's butts. Who can resist living under the same roof with your beloved husband and not even talk to each otherâ€”I would go steer-crazy. But as the story went on I was amazed at the way author displayed God's amazing work in that community. I don't want to give out the juicy parts of it. But I will tell you this - there are stories - amazing heart- gripping stories where the ending is so quick and platonic or just not satisfying and completely ruins the whole read. This is not one of those stories. This is exactly opposite - at first it is very sad and sort of stuck but as the story moves towards the climax and Naomi's temper start flaring the story gets juicy and the ending is a perfect cherry on top. Written by a man this book will surprise you with all the passion and emotion mixed in it. I thought it was only women that were romantics. Big surprise there!!!

Devoted Amish girl, former soldier doctor, stubborn ministers, and the unmoving Ordnag rules.. and a God - the artist of the impossible.

Even if you never read an Amish book I believe you will be taken with this one. Buy! Read! Enjoy!!

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from Harvest House Publisher, thought NetGalley, in exchange for my honest opinion.